Joaquin Moraga Intermediate Student Brings Explosive Device To School

Moraga police say a 13-year-old student brought a 4-inch long explosive device to Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School Friday and was discovered showing it to other students by school staff.

The device, described as like a pipe bomb in appearance, was taken to an office and Moraga police were called at 2:45 p.m.  School hours had ended just minutes earlier. When police arrived, the device was inspected, the area secured, and the Walnut Creek Bomb Squad was called to respond, according to Moraga Police Chief Bob Priebe.

The Bomb Squad verified the contents of the device and qualified it as an explosive, Priebe said. The device was disassembled and removed from campus. Possession of the explosive device on school grounds is a felony and the student was detained by Moraga police after searching the student's residence for any additional devices. None were found, police said.

The 13 year-old was released to his parents and the case will be referred to the Contra Costa County DA for disposition, according to Priebe.

Superintendent Bruce Burns, waiting as Moraga police and ordnance disposal experts ribboned off the area where the device was found, said that it was discovered well after school ended at 2:44 p.m. and that no students were ever in danger.

Police bomb experts declined to characterize the exact component nature of the "device." They also declined to say if it was actually capable of detonating in any way.